About Us

My name is Cherish Richardson, I’m from Anchorage, Alaska and I am setting up this fundraiser on behalf of the Okasha family in Gaza, Palestine.

Please take a moment to read Qosay’s heartfelt message.

Before the War

My name is Qosay Okasha. Before the war started, I lived a peaceful life in Gaza. I was about to graduate from university, working in a field I love, living in my family’s home, surrounded by my parents, my three younger brothers, and my baby sister who was just one month old when the war began. We had a normal life filled with dreams and hope.

Life During the War — Our Struggle for Survival

When the war began, everything was shattered. We fled from the north of Gaza to Al-Maghazi, where we squeezed into one small room with my siblings and more than ten cousins. There was no privacy, no electricity, no water, and no internet. We had to walk long distances just to charge our phones or collect water. Tragically, during this time, my dear neighbor and friend was killed.

Two months later, we moved to Rafah, living in a relative’s house for four months. Hunger was unbearable — a bag of flour cost over $1,000 and was often unavailable. I lost a close friend during this period; someone closer than a brother, and I couldn’t even say goodbye.

We then moved to Al-Mawasi and lived in a tent for the first time. The tent did not protect us from the harsh summer heat or winter cold. When it rained, we got soaked, living under pieces of cloth barely shielding us.

We kept moving to Khan Younis, then back to the north in Jabalia, walking over 20 kilometers on foot, hopeful to return home, even if it was just rubble.

Today: Homeless and Starving

Now, after all the displacement and suffering, we are homeless again, hungry, and exhausted.

We have no food, no clean water, and no safe place to stay. We are simply trying to stay alive.

How the Funds Will Be Used

All donations will go directly to:

• Buying food and clean drinking water

• Purchasing hygiene supplies, medicine, and baby essentials

• Providing emergency shelter or tent materials

• Paying for phone and internet to stay connected

• Handling withdrawal and transfer fees (which are very high)

We are not asking for luxury — just a chance to survive with dignity.

Please Help

If you can, please donate and share this campaign widely.

Even the smallest support can make a huge difference.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support.

With hope and gratitude,

Qosay Okasha and Family